The scoop on “Newsies” at Sparta High School

Extra, extra! Read all about it! “Newsies the Musical” opens this weekend at Sparta High School.

The production, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Harvey Fierstein, follows a group of newsboys in 1899 as they struggle to make a life in New York City. When the price of the paper skyrockets, leaving the Newsies in a pinch, they must unionize against a covetous publisher and “Seize the Day.”

“Newsies,” which is based on a true story, first found a stage in 2011 at New Jersey’s own Paper Mill Playhouse. Paper Mill is a prominent playground for theatre-makers, with many of its productions graduating to Broadway. In the decade since its conception, “Newsies” has become a popular choice amongst high schools and community theatres.

“We are so happy to be able to return to the stage this year as our program continues to grow,” said director Angela DeLuccia. “With support from the entire Spartan community, Sparta High School theater is thriving.”

Like many performance venues across the nation, this high school’s musical theatre program experienced difficulties during the first years of the pandemic. In this newsworthy production, they mount a long-awaited return to the stage.

“It takes a village to put on a show—and at SHS we have an infinite village,” said choreographer Paige Lucas, an alum of the Sparta High School stage.

Theatre program members will perform a preview of “Newsies” for Sparta’s elementary school students on March 2, 2022. DeLuccia hopes to get kids excited about coming to see theatre, and perhaps even inspire them to follow their own artistic inclinations.

To echo the words of Mr. Fierstein: “Headlines don’t sell papers, Newsies sell papers!”

Or, perhaps more appropriately, “Newsies” sells tickets. They can be purchased online only at showtix4u.com, just search “Sparta High School.” Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

The show dates are as follows:

• Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, March 5, at 7 p.m.

• Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m.